Galápagos Tortoise: The Ancient Wanderer

The Galápagos tortoise (Chelonoidis nigra), one of the largest tortoise species in the world, is a living relic of prehistoric times. These slow-moving giants can weigh over 400 kilograms and live more than 100 years, making them among the longest-living vertebrates on Earth. Native to the Galápagos Islands, they play a critical role in maintaining the ecosystem by dispersing seeds and shaping vegetation.

However, climate change threatens the fragile balance of the Galápagos Islands. Rising sea levels risk submerging critical nesting areas, while temperature changes disrupt the delicate sex ratio of hatchlings, which is determined by incubation temperature. Additionally, extreme weather events, such as prolonged droughts or heavy rainfall, affect the availability of food and water for these herbivorous reptiles.

Human activity, including tourism and invasive species, compounds these challenges. Rats and pigs prey on eggs and hatchlings, while goats compete with tortoises for food. Conservation programs, including breeding initiatives and habitat restoration, are working to protect this iconic species. Addressing climate change on a global scale is crucial to safeguarding their unique ecosystem.